Forty-seven per cent of workers in Australia feel mentally or physically exhausted at the end of the working day: TELUS Mental Health Index

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2024, SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - Today, TELUS Health released its TELUS Mental Health Index (“the Index”) with reports that examine the mental health of employed people in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Europe. The Australian report reveals that 47 per cent of workers in Australia feel mentally or physically exhausted at the end of the working day with too much work identified as the leading cause. The Index also found that 30 per cent of workers believe that AI will have a positive impact on the industry they work in. 

 “There is no question that AI’s advancement will bring significant benefits, potentially as pivotal as the industrial or internet age,” said Paula Allen, Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, TELUS Health. “Organizations have the opportunity to engage employees in this evolution by ensuring that AI tools and training are readily accessible to employees, and enabling them to explore the technology firsthand so they can discover the ways it benefits them in their own work. As with any change, the best way to implement change is to engage people from the start, empowering them to grasp the possibilities and contribute valuable insights.”

The TELUS Mental Health Index also found: 

• Fifteen per cent of workers are considering upgrading their skills related to AI.

• Younger workers are more than three times as likely to consider enhancing their AI skills.

• Too much work is the leading cause of burnout (reported by 27 per cent of workers), followed by too many personal demands (reported by 20 per cent of workers), a lack of recognition for the work that they do (reported by 12 per cent of workers), and a lack of support for the work they do (reported by 9 per cent of workers).

• Nearly three in ten workers are unsure or do not know where to go for professional help when faced with a personal mental health issue.  

As a leader in technology, TELUS is at the forefront of integrating and scaling AI and generative technologies across its business operations, team members and customer interactions. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, TELUS empowers its team members to adopt and experiment with its internal AI tools in a safe and secure environment, free from the fear of making mistakes. TELUS is committed to developing a skilled, AI-enabled workforce to fully harness the potential of AI-powered innovation and growth.

“Burnout and a lack of wellbeing are critical issues affecting our workforce today,” said Jamie MacLennan, Senior Vice-president and Managing Director of APAC, TELUS Health. Many employees, especially younger ones, are struggling with overwhelming workloads that leave them mentally and physically exhausted. This relentless stress not only impacts their mental health but also significantly reduces productivity. Moreover, there is a troubling lack of awareness and accessibility to mental health support, with many workers unsure where to seek help. Understanding the urgency of addressing these challenges, we are committed to providing robust support systems and resources for workplaces. By prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, we aim to cultivate resilience and productivity within workplaces in Australia.”

In April 2024, the mental health scores of workers in various regions were: 

• Australia: 62.5

• New Zealand: 60.6

• Singapore: 62.9

• United Kingdom: 64.6

• Europe: 62.0

• United States: 71.0

• Canada: 64.0

The TELUS Mental Health Index is based on a response scoring system that then turns individual responses into point values. Higher point values are associated with better mental health and less mental health risk. Scores between 0 to 49 correspond with distress levels, scores between 50 to 79 correspond with strain levels and scores between 80 to 100 correspond with optimal levels of mental health.

The June TELUS Mental Health Index includes additional findings on key psycho-social risks in the workplace and sub-scores including, optimism, anxiety and depression. Read the full Australian TELUS Mental Health Index here.

Note to Editors

For further information on the TELUS Mental Health Index, or to find out more about the methodology, please refer to the MHI Australia update.

About the TELUS Mental Health Index

The data for the TELUS Health Mental Health Index was collected through an online survey from April 5, 2024 to April 16, 2024 with 1,000 respondents. All respondents reside in Australia and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflects this population. 

About TELUS Health
TELUS Health is on a mission to become the most trusted wellbeing company in the world by enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare and championing workplace wellbeing. By integrating advanced healthcare technology with comprehensive employee support services, TELUS Health provides a holistic approach to primary and preventive health and wellbeing for 72 million people across 160 countries. Our innovative digital health platforms, including electronic medical records (EMRs) and virtual care solutions, empower healthcare professionals, individuals, employers and governments to deliver personalized care efficiently. Our employee wellbeing programs offer extensive support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, financial counselling, and workplace wellness initiatives. At TELUS Health, we are committed to revolutionizing healthcare to ensure people receive the support they need and employees thrive both personally and professionally. Together, let’s make the future friendly. For more information, visit: www.telushealth.com.

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